Kelso House Charm
Step back in time at Kelso House in Ooty, a 200-year-old colonial residence now managed by Jan Mohammed Sait and Numaira Jan Mohammed Sait. Perched on a hill
approximately 800 meters from the town's center, it offers a peaceful retreat without being overly isolated. The property spans 1.5 acres and features 16 rooms divided into two sections. Guests can enjoy leisurely strolls on expansive lawns or unwind in the common library by a fireplace on cooler evenings. The hosts are adept at arranging a variety of activities, including bonfires, barbecues, romantic candlelit dinners on the grounds, and excursions like trekking and cycling tours to Ooty's outskirts, as well as curated picnics on a nearby hill. This unique blend of history and hospitality makes it a compelling destination. The estimated cost for a double room starts at Rs10,848, and it's approximately a 10-hour drive from Chennai.
Pannadikadu Heritage
Discover Pannadikadu Homestay, a captivating Tamil-style heritage granary owned by Thomas George, set amidst 15 acres of lush mango orchards in Kerala’s Palghat Gap. This historical structure, built from local grey rock bound with lime and clay, houses the family's private quarters. Adjacent to the main house, two independent guest cottages, each with en-suite bathrooms and reclaimed clay tile roofs, can accommodate up to five adults and one child. A contemporary vertical wing also provides additional guest accommodation. The interior is adorned with heirlooms, reflecting Kerala's rich cultural heritage. Its strategic location offers convenient access to the Anamalai Tiger Reserve in Tamil Nadu and the Parambikulam Tiger Reserve in Kerala. Visitors can embark on day safaris in Topslip or undertake a challenging 10km trek to Pandaravarai Peak for breathtaking panoramic views. In Kerala, Parambikulam presents safaris highlighting reservoirs and valley vistas, featuring the world's oldest teak tree. Evenings can be spent observing the traditional toddy tapping process in a local grove. Doubles start at Rs6,000, with an approximate driving time of 10 hours from Chennai.
Velanga Orchard Tranquility
Experience the serene ambiance of Velanga Orchard, a 50-acre mango orchard homestay located in Bodabandla village, Andhra Pradesh, at the foot of a hill and on the edge of a shrub reserve forest. The property derives its name, 'velanga,' from the Tamil word for wood apple, referencing the ancient wood apple tree at its entrance. Beyond mangoes, hosts Nikita Dawar and Karthik Ramaraj cultivate rice, millets, teak, and various seasonal vegetables. Accommodation is provided in three twin-sharing cottages and four individual cottages, all equipped with private baths, patios, and kitchenettes. Guests are encouraged to engage in long walks across the property, find solace reading under a tree, observe the rhythms of farm life, and enjoy evening bonfires. The homestay also offers exclusive early morning hikes on a dedicated hill for guests and opportunities for a refreshing dip in a nearby lake. It's a 4-hour drive from Chennai, making it an accessible escape. Doubles are priced from Rs33,600 for a minimum stay of 6 nights.
Taurus Homestay Experience
Nestled in Kotagiri, about an hour's drive from Ooty's railway station, Taurus Homestay offers a peaceful retreat amidst a thriving coffee plantation. While many tourist hotspots are a short drive away, the property itself is an ideal sanctuary from urban clamor, frequented by a variety of birdsong. The accommodation comprises three rooms: two are situated in a charming stone cottage featuring an all-glass dining area, and the third is a separate, independent unit. The surrounding valley is rich in wildlife, with chances to spot barking deer, mouse deer, porcupines, wild boars, and even bison. Guests can arrange for estate trails with the staff and spend their evenings around a rustic cobbled bonfire pit. Host Rajin Kuttappa often leads guests through the property's forested areas, while his wife, Reshma, prepares delightful homemade breakfasts. With reliable WiFi, it's also a perfect spot for a workation. The entire stay is available from Rs11,000, and it's approximately a 6.5-hour drive from Chennai.
O'Land Plantation Vistas
Immerse yourself in nature at O’Land Plantation Stay, a sprawling 120-acre estate in Coonoor renowned for its rich birdlife, including species like the Malabar barbet, Asian paradise flycatcher, and orange minivet, drawn to its abundant fruit trees. This eco-friendly homestay is set amidst picturesque tea, coffee, and spice plantations, featuring three distinct cottages. Each cottage is designed with expansive windows and balconies that seamlessly blend indoor comfort with the breathtaking outdoor scenery, offering panoramic valley views and, in some cases, vistas of waterfalls and tea estates. The property champions sustainability through solar lighting, biomass water heaters, eco-brick construction, and furniture made from reclaimed wood and bamboo. Guests can indulge in daily treks and leisurely walks, partake in tea tastings, and take day trips to the nearby towns of Coonoor and Ooty, both approximately an hour away. Doubles are available from Rs7,500, and the drive from Chennai is about 10 hours.
